Ana Leigh (15 page)

Chapter 15

T
he following day seemed like eternity before two o’clock finally arrived. Rose knew Stephen would propose to her; whether or not to accept his proposal was the most important decision she’d ever make in her life.

Though once she would have rushed gladly to meet this moment, her steps slowed as she neared the boardinghouse’s drawing room. Forcing a smile, she entered.

Stephen rose to his feet. “Rose, my dear, you look as lovely as ever.”

“Thank you, Stephen.”

“The minutes passed like hours since last we met.”

“For me as well.”

At least her reply was an honest one, even though their reasons differed.

“I thought a carriage ride would be pleasant and allow us some privacy.”

“That’s fine with me, Stephen. And the good news is that because of a breakdown, the dinner train has been delayed two hours. I don’t have to rush back so quickly.”

She regretted her words the moment they slipped past her lips. They indicated more encourgement than she felt.

“Then this would be a good time to show you the Lazy R. We have plenty of time to drive out to the ranch and get you back in time to go to work.”

Rose remained quiet on the ride out, merely nodding and smiling as Stephen kept up a light conversation.

The ranch house was white with black shutters. Well kept, it was comfortably furnished, but clearly inhabited by a bachelor.

“Your home is very nice, Stephen,” she remarked, when he finished showing her around.

“I have a Mexican woman who comes in and cleans once a week, but the house needs a woman’s touch to make it a home. And that’s what I want to talk to you about Rose. Since my wife’s death, I’ve been a lonely man. I’ve devoted my time to becoming successful and have accumulated a great deal of wealth, but it doesn’t mean anything if one doesn’t have anyone to share it with. I want to travel and see more of the world, but I need a companion, Rose. I’m not getting any younger.”

She still wasn’t ready for this! “Nonsense, Stephen. You’re still a handsome figure of a man. I’m sure any woman would—”

“I don’t want just any woman, Rose. I want you. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the woman I want to share the rest of my life with. Will you marry me, Rose?”

Rose took a deep breath. “I’m flattered, Stephen, but we barely know one another. Other than casual meetings in town, this is only the second time we’ve spent time together.”

“I didn’t become successful by being indecisive, Rose. I know what I want when I see it. And I want you.” He withdrew a ring from his vest pocket. “I know this was presumptuous of me, but I bought this ring for you when I was in Dallas.”

Astounded, Rose stared at the gold band circled with diamonds.

“Marry me, Rose, and make me the happiest man in Texas.”

“I don’t know what to say,” she replied honestly, her heart pounding. “I’ll need time to think about it before giving you an answer.”

“Of course,” he said, returning the ring to his pocket. “But please spare me the anguish of too long a wait.”

“I promise, Stephen.”

Rose wasn’t being coy or playing the coquette; thanks to Zach, she was no longer certain she could marry just for money.

Stephen reached for her hand. “Come, my dear, we still have time for me to show you a little of the ranch.”

Hand in hand, they strolled down to the barn. There were several horses in stalls, and a few more in a corral outside. Both barn and corral were neatly painted with whitewash, as were the bunkhouse and other outbuildings.

“How old is this ranch, Stephen?”

“Two years.”

“I’m very impressed. Everything looks barely used.”

“I take pride in appearances, Rose.”

“How big is the ranch?”

“A hundred thousand acres.”

“My goodness. Do you raise anything other than cattle?”

“No, just cattle, my dear.” He changed the subject. “Rose, do you like to travel?”

“I haven’t done much, so I really can’t say.”

“When we marry, I’d like to sell the Lazy R and travel abroad for a few years, see the foreign capitals of the world. Would you like that, Rose?”

“It sounds wonderful.”

Forced to eke out an existence her whole life, Rose couldn’t imagine what it would be like not to have to work from sunrise to sunset. To visit the mysterious places she’d only seen pictures of or read about in books. How easy it would be simply to say yes to him.

Instead she said, “I think we’d better get back to town, Stephen.”

“Of course.”

They returned to the carriage and were just pulling away when Tait and his gang rode up.

“Did you move those cattle, Tait?” Stephen asked.

“Yeah, it’s done,” he said, with his usual unpleasant manner.

“I’m taking Miss Dubois back to town. After I return there are some matters I’d like to go over with you, so stay close. Boys, you’re the first to know: I’ve asked Miss Dubois to become my wife.”

Her gaze sought out Zach; his expression was inscrutable. Tait, on the other hand, looked fit to kill.

One by one the men nodded and congratulated Rayburn, except for Zach.

When it was his turn, he said, “Congratulations, Miss Dubois.”

“It’s customary to congratulate the groom, Zach,” Stephen said. “You wish the bride happiness.”

“Is that so?” Zach shoved his hat to the top of his forehead and looked at Rose. “I’d say in this case, congratulations are due all around.” He wheeled his horse and rode to the bunkhouse. The other men followed.

Zach’s remark stung as much as the salty tears Rose held back. Dammit, what had
he
ever offered her? “Stephen, I’ve made up my mind,” she said suddenly. “I will marry you.”

“Rose, I’m so happy.” He pulled the jeweler’s box out of his pocket and slipped the ring on her finger. “Saturday, I’ll give a party in town to announce our engagement.”

Then he took her in his arms and kissed her hungrily. His lips were firm and warm, but his kiss failed to curl her toes, to set her heart to hammering, or send excitement spiraling through her body.

As they rode away, she glanced over to the bunkhouse. The lone figure of Zach stood in the doorway watching them.

In the week since she’d agreed to marry him, Stephen had spared no expense in making arrangements for the party, including renting the Harvey restaurant to announce their engagement. Once the dinner hour had ended that evening, Billings had begun the preparations for the party.

Kate pulled the curtain aside and glanced out the front window of the boardinghouse. “Well, your future husband’s just arrived, so I guess we better leave.”

Rose walked over to see that Stephen Rayburn and the Tait gang were tying their mounts to a hitching post near the Harvey House.

Her gaze immediately sought and found Zach MacKenzie. He looked handsomer than ever in a black vest and pants, his tanned face a devastating contrast against the white shirt tied at the neck with a black string tie.

She turned her gaze to Stephen Rayburn, remorsefully realizing she should have done that first. He wore a light gray suit that looked very expensive, tailored to his broad shoulders and well-muscled body. Then her glance swung back to Zach. She hadn’t seen him since the day she agreed to marry Stephen. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

“I wonder who’s watching the ranch?” Kate said.

“What do you mean?”

“With this current streak of cattle rustling, I’d have thought Mr. Rayburn would leave that gang behind to guard his herd. Isn’t that why he hired them?”

“Maybe he figures by bringing that motley crew with him, the cattle will be safer.” With a shrug, Rose turned away from the window. She took a final glance in the mirror, then stretched out her arms and spun around. “Well, do you think I’ll pass inspection?”

Not only had she and Kate taken extra pains with her hair, but Rose had spent practically all she’d saved in the past two years on the dress all the girls had been working on every free minute.

Appliquéd with beaded lace, the bodice of the ruby gown of silk organza had a fitted waist, a low, ruffled neckline, and cap sleeves set off her shoulders. The small train of the skirt was appliquéd in matching lace.

Stepping back, Kate tapped her chin in deep cogitation. “Hmmm, it still needs something. Perhaps your apron would help.” Laughing, she linked her arm through Rose’s. “You look gorgeous. Poor Mr. Rayburn—he’s at his wit’s end to begin with. Wait until he sees you in that dress.”

Giggling like schoolgirls with a shared secret, they left the house and walked the short distance to the restaurant.

As soon as they entered the room, Stephen walked over and clasped Rose’s hands. He stepped closer, admiration gleaming in his eyes. “Rose, you look exquisite.”

“Thank you, Stephen. I’m glad you’re pleased.”

And she meant it sincerely. At least Stephen could take pride in her appearance, which wouldn’t have been possible two years ago. Red had always been Rose’s favorite color, and Emily Lawrence, in her sweet fashion, had not only taught her good taste in clothing, but also how the flashier red dresses that Rose had worn in the past clashed with her hair. The rich tone of the gown she wore tonight deepened her hair to auburn, and Rose said a silent prayer of thanks to her dear friend.

Stephen pulled her closer and kissed her cheek. “You fire my blood, my love. I don’t know how much longer I can keep from ravishing you. How will I ever wait another week to wed you?”

She smiled flirtatiously and batted her lashes. “Shame on you, Stephen Rayburn. People are watchin’ and listenin’.” Then laughing, she slipped her arm through his. “Seriously, I’m just as anxious to get married as you are.”

She glanced over his shoulder and saw that, indeed, several people had overheard his passionate confession—Zach MacKenzie among them. Her eyes met his mocking stare, and she blushed and looked away.

The guests consisted primarily of ranchers, their families, and the few honest citizens in town. Between the engagement congratulations and questions about their future nuptials, talk always gravitated back to the cattle rustling, the wilson murders, and the mysterious sightings in the hills. There were few ranches that had not been hit by the rustlers.

And through it all, Rose was aware that Zach had not come near her even to say hello.

After several hours, she’d had enough. Her jaw actually ached from holding a smile on her face. Looking for some fresh air, she slipped out the door. She was tempted to go back to the boardinghouse and not return, but that would cause embarrassment to Stephen. Instead, she strolled along the platform of the depot.

At that time of night the station was deserted, and she welcomed the quietness. The night breeze gently caressed her throbbing temples as she leaned back against a post and wondered why, with everything she’d ever hoped for now within arm’s reach, she should feel so low.

“You ought to be called Ruby instead of Rose.”

She spun around at the sound of Zach’s voice. “Must you always lurk in the shadows?”

“That dress, alabaster skin, moonlight gleaming on auburn hair . . .” He shook his head. “It’s enough to rob a man of his breath.”

“Poetry from your tongue, MacKenzie! I think I’m going to faint.”

“Okay, just say the sight is enough to drive a man to want to ravish you.”

“And talk like that can get you into trouble. I don’t think your boss would appreciate you mocking him.”

“Mocking him? I agree with him. It’s been on my mind from the first time I saw you.”

“The feeling isn’t mutual.”

“So, you figure you’ve finally found what you’ve been looking for. Gotta hand it to you, Rosie. When you see what you want, you don’t waste any time.”

“Sour grapes, MacKenzie?” Irritated by his sarcasm, she started to walk away, but he took her arm.

“Why don’t you admit you’ve played this game long enough?”

Damn him!
Her guilt manifested in an outburst of anger. “And why don’t you accept the fact that it’s not a game? Next week at this time I’ll be Mrs. Stephen Rayburn, and nothing you can do or say will change my mind.”

He pulled her against him. “Then one more kiss won’t matter, will it, Rosie?”

“Let me
go,
Zach.”

She struggled to free herself from the muscled vise of his arms, but his mouth closed over hers, his lips and tongue stoking the familiar fires he ignited so easily. This time she fought it, though, and when she failed to respond, he released her.

“Don’t be a bigger fool than you have been,” she said. “You’re taking foolish risks—anyone could see us out here. I don’t think Stephen would take kindly to one of his hired hands taking liberties with his future wife.”

“So you’re really going through with it? I figured by now, you’d have come to your senses.”

“This is the chance I’ve been waiting for, Zach. I’m not going to let you spoil it for me. As Mrs. Stephen Rayburn, I’ll be treated with respect in this territory, and saddle tramps like you will have to think twice before putting a hand on me.”